Ellenbrook Secondary College will soon be home to a new Gifted and Talented program for students with exceptional academic ability, Education Minister Sue Ellery announced today.
The first intake will see up to 32 selected Year 7 students join the program in 2021 and it will expand progressively to other year groups in subsequent years.
Students will extend their learning in the areas of English, humanities and social sciences, mathematics and science.
Students entering Year 7 in 2021 can apply for a place in the new program when applications for Gifted and Talented secondary selective entrance programs open on October 14, 2019.
Parents can register their interest now at https://www.education.wa.edu.au/giftedandtalented
Ellenbrook Secondary College, which has 1,521 students, opened in 2007.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The nearest schools to Ellenbrook which have a Gifted and Talented program are more than 20 kilometres away in the suburbs of Duncraig and Woodbridge.
“I want to make sure Gifted and Talented programs are spread across regional and metropolitan Perth better.”
As stated by Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw:
“As a proud ESC Board Member, I know just how much talent our local kids have. These programs are well regarded, and places in the programs are highly sought after and extremely competitive. It’s great that our kids will finally have access, so close to home.
“This new program will be a great option for very academically able students in the wider Ellenbrook area to aspire to – I’m looking forward to seeing how far they will go.”
As stated by Ellenbrook Secondary College Associate Principal Heath Dullard:
“Ellenbrook Secondary College is extremely proud to become a Gifted and Talented public school in 2021. This is a fantastic opportunity for students in the local area to excel academically and reach their full potential, without having to travel outside of Ellenbrook and its surrounding areas.
“The introduction of a Gifted and Talented program will allow our students to continue to strive for excellence and it will complement our existing Specialist Music program, in which students have received national and international acclaim over the many years since its inception.”
As stated by Ellenbrook Secondary College Board Chair Chris Spencer:
“This exciting new Gifted and Talented program will complement the numerous amazing opportunities our school is able to provide for our students.
“I am confident that the dedicated, passionate and professional College staff will continue to strive for engagement, success and community in this new program, along with all other College initiatives.
“I encourage all parents who have a child who would benefit from a program such as this to register for the 2021 intake. This is an opportunity which is too good to let pass.”
